In Minnesota, boxelder bugs emerge from overwintering sites during spring as the brutal winters shift into sunnier days. The adults will be in search for low vegetation and seeds on the ground during spring and early summer, and begin mating a couple weeks after they started feeding. In mid July the females need to find seed-bearing boxelder trees (hence how they get their name) where they lay eggs on the trunks, branches and leaves. They are rarely found on male boxelder trees, and sometimes Boxelder bugs also feed on maple or ash trees. Boxelders do not harm any trees as we know and are part of the functioning ecosystem.
When the weather shifts again and the fall sets in, boxelder bugs start to leave the trees from where they were laying eggs and feeding to find protected areas for the winter. Although nymphs may be present in the fall, only fully grown adults survive the winter. During this time boxelders will become attracted to homes to find warmth.
Box elder Bugs
Some homes are more attractive to boxelder bugs than others, and that is why your house may be more effected by these insects than others. This usually depends upon the amount of sunny exposure a building receives. Boxelder bugs like warm areas and are attracted to buildings with a large wall on the south or west side. Buildings standing taller than surrounding structures or standing isolated on flat ground can also attract large numbers of boxelder bugs. Color does not appear to influence boxelder bugs as they are found on buildings with a variety of colors.
Although it may seem like you have a lot of boxelder bugs, it is important to know that they do not breed inside.They try to move outdoors but many remain trapped inside. If you have a problem with boxelder bugs in your Minneapolis home then EcoTech is here for you. We can either help you prevent them from entering your home, or if the problem has occurred we will fix it and then take steps to prevent any further bugs from entering your home in the future. We use a less toxic organic product line so that while we are eliminating the problem, your family, pets, and even plants are not harmed in the process. So, if you live in Minnesota and have noticed these little critters making their way into your home, it’s time to call your local exterminator. For Boxelder bug control, call Ecotech today at 763.785.1414.
